January Blues

It is January. For me, that means it is cold, dark, and snowy. The world is falling apart. Life feels a bit as if I am trudging towards a finish line that keeps moving further away. Everything is expensive (health insurance in the US anyone?) and everyone is sick with colds and flus.

So, what can you do to find a little joy in a blue January? I’ve compiled a list of things that could, theoretically, make your days more endurable. And, if you live in a part of the world where it is hot and sunny feel free to use these same suggestions to escape from that relentless humidity.

Read a book. No, don’t read it in fits and starts around your January days. Really read a book. Pick it up and don’t put it down. Immerse yourself in it. Ignore your phone, ignore your family, ignore the world. Just read.

Buy a book. This should be obvious.

Drink tea. This also should be obvious.

Go to the gym or for a walk or whatever your preferred method of exercise is. My husband is evangelical about the benefits of exercise and, much as that annoys me, I must admit he is right. I feel better after I exercise. Just don’t tell him that.

Buy yourself a little treat. I am not talking about blowing your budget because that won’t make you feel any better. I simply mean buy yourself that little tiny thing that brightens your day whether it is coffee from your favorite shop or a sticker from Etsy. Give in to the whimsy.

Bake something delicious. Or, if you don’t like to bake, buy something delicious from a bakery. Then come home, curl up with a blanket and enjoy every bite.

Take a nap. Most of us need naps most days and don’t get them. Indulge.

Call that person you love talking to. Texting is great but a real conversation is better.

Wear the item of clothing you have been saving for just the right moment. That moment is now. That moment is going to the grocery store or work or whatever you are doing today. Wear it and feel fabulous.

Get yourself out of the house. I know; we are all tired and we get home from work and don’t want to go anywhere but, just occasionally, force yourself out to putter around somewhere. Puttering is good for the soul.

Try something new. Fiber arts, baking, model building, playing an instrument, learning a language, journaling, scrapbooking. New endeavors are good for the brain and the mood.

Give yourself something to look forward to. Sometimes winter feels like it will last forever. Spring is months away. It won’t be warmer until April. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make plans. Plans are fun.

That is my motivational speech for the day. However, also remember that sometimes you simply need to do nothing and that is perfectly valid as well. Life is hard; sometimes we need to deny its existence.

Remember, we are all in this together and as long as we have books and tea life is not all bad.